08 Dec, 2024
If you're visiting Bangkok and looking for a unique experience, then the Train Market (also known as the Maeklong Railway Market) should be considered. This fascinating market, located a fair distance from the center, offers a rare blend of local culture, tourist trap vibes and a dash of adrenaline as the train rumbles (very slowly) through the market. But is it worth the trip? Let’s explore everything you need to know.
No, there is no entrance fee to visit the Maeklong Railway Market. It’s a free market open to all visitors, and you can freely roam the area, explore the stalls, and take photos.
The Maeklong Railway Market is open daily, typically from around 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, the most exciting part of the experience is when the trains pass through, which occurs at specific times during the day. More on that below.
The Maeklong Railway Market is located 90 km from Bangkok, and there are several ways to reach it: Including Train, Mini bus, taxis and private tours.
Currently, six trains pass through the Maeklong Railway Market each day, at 8:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:15 AM, 11:30 AM, 2:30 PM, and 3:30 PM. If you arrive at 8:15 AM or 11:00 AM, you’ll catch two trains passing in quick succession.
Be sure to check the latest train schedules before you go, particularly if you're traveling from Ban Laem by train, as there are only 3 or 4 trains operating daily.
If you have plenty of time and prefer a more adventurous route, taking the train can be an interesting and affordable way to reach the Maeklong Railway Market, though it's a bit complicated. First, take the train from Wongwian Yai station (about a 15-minute walk from BTS Wongwian Yai) to Maha Chai, which departs every hour. From there, you’ll need to transfer to Ban Laem station by walking and crossing the river via ferry. Finally, catch a train to Maeklong. The total journey takes over 3 hours.
A faster option than the train is to take a minibus from either the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) or Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit). The fare is approximately 60 THB (£1.37) each way from Sai Tai Mai, or 90 THB (£2.06) from Mo Chit.
If you prefer a more convenient and direct route, you can hire a taxi to take you to the market and back. The cost is typically around 1,200 THB (£27/$35) depending on traffic and negotiation.
To avoid any hassle, the easiest way to visit the market is by booking a day trip from Bangkok. This usually includes hotel pick-up, transportation, a guide, entrance tickets, tastings, and visits to both the Railway Market and the Floating Market.
The Maeklong Railway Market is a bustling open-air market set right along the tracks of an active railway. Located in the town of Maeklong, about 90km from central Bangkok, it’s known for the dramatic moment when trains pass directly through the market, almost brushing up against vendors’ umbrellas and goods. The vendors here sell a range of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and other local food items. However, it's also full of the usual tourist souvenirs.
Personally, I would say it's definitely worth it. While traveling to the Railway Market by public transport can be more adventurous, I decided to book a tour (affiliate link below). I genuinely took this tour myself and was really impressed. My friends and I had a fantastic time, and I highly recommend it if you're looking for a day trip outside central Bangkok.
An organized tour of the Railway Market (Maeklong Market) and the Floating Market (Damnoen Saduak) is an excellent choice, not only will it save time but also allows you to enjoy the experience without the stress of navigating transportation or language barriers. But what exactly can you expect from such a tour?
One of the key benefits of an organized tour is the convenience. Most tours offer hotel pick-up in the morning, so you don’t have to worry about finding your way to a bus station or train terminal. Whether you’re staying in the heart of Bangkok or in a nearby area, the tour company will typically arrange a comfortable minivan, bus, or private vehicle to transport you to the markets.
Transportation is often air-conditioned, making it a comfortable ride, especially if you’re visiting during the hot and humid months. The journey to both markets usually takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic.
Your first stop on the tour is the Maeklong Railway Market, one of the most unique markets in Thailand.
The highlight of the visit is when the train passes through, which usually happens a few times a day.
After visiting the Railway Market, your tour will take you to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of the most famous floating markets in Thailand. Unlike the Railway Market, which is land-based, Damnoen Saduak is set along a network of canals. This traditional market is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful wooden boats piled high with fresh fruits, vegetables, and local products.
At the Floating Market, you’ll likely take a boat ride along the canals to explore the market from the water, which is the best way to see the action. As you glide through the water, you’ll see vendors in small boats selling everything from tropical fruits to cooked food.
After a full day of exploring the Railway and Floating Markets, the tour will typically include a return trip to Bangkok in the late afternoon. Depending on traffic, the journey back may take about 1.5 to 2 hours,
Most organized tours of the Railway Market and Floating Market will include the following:
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Transport in an air-conditioned vehicle (usually a minivan or bus)
English-speaking guide
Entrance fees to both markets
Boat ride at the Floating Market
Bottled water.
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Most visitors describe the Maeklong Railway Market as a once-in-a-lifetime experience that’s chaotic, exciting, and unlike anything they’ve seen before. The moment everyone comes for is, of course, when the train arrives. Reviewers consistently mention how surreal it feels to stand just inches away as vendors rapidly fold back awnings and clear the tracks, only for the train to slowly roll straight through the heart of the market.
Many people recommend arriving early or timing your visit carefully so you don’t miss the train, as waiting around in the heat can be uncomfortable. Heat is a common theme in reviews and several travellers suggest bringing a hand fan, water, or planning breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spots, such as the small cafés inside the market.
In terms of shopping, opinions are mixed. Some visitors note that stalls closer to the tracks mainly sell souvenirs and tourist items, while others recommend walking a little further away from the main train section to find cheaper prices and more local goods. Even so, most agree that browsing the market before the train arrives adds to the overall experience.
A number of travellers also point out that the market works best when combined with other nearby attractions, such as floating markets, making the travel time from Bangkok feel more worthwhile. While it’s undeniably busy and a bit frantic, the overwhelming consensus is that seeing a train pass directly through a working market is something genuinely memorable and well worth experiencing at least once.
